Bali [Near Ubud], Indonesia, Jun 2009

Bali is an Indonesian island with the provincial capital at Denpasar. Lying between Java to the west and Lombok to the east, the island is home to the largest tourist destination in the country and is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music. What's interesting is that while Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, on the island of Bali, 93% of the population is Balinese Hindu and one can find Hinduism in each and every aspect of the life and living. Balinese performing arts often portray stories from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana but with heavy Balinese influence. Famous Balinese dances include pendet, legong, baris, topeng, barong, gong keybar, and kecak (the monkey dance). Bali boasts one of the most diverse and innovative performing arts cultures in the world, with paid performances at thousands of temple festivals, private ceremonies, or public shows. June, 2009.

Welcome to Goa Gajah. Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Top view of Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave which is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Close up of Goa Gajah. Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Anu & Suchit at Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave. The cave is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Anu & Suchit at Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave. The cave is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Shiv lings inside the cave. Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Inside view of the cave, the statue of Lord Ganesha (Batu Ganesh). Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Batu Trilingga. Shiv lings inside the cave. Inside view of the cave. Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Inside view of the cave. Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tourists visiting Goa Gajah at the entrance of the cave opening. Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tourists visiting Goa Gajah at the entrance of the cave opening. Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Top view of Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave which is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

A lady washes herself at Goa Gajah. Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located on the island of Bali near Ubud and a short distance from Bedulu. Built in the 9th century, it served as a sanctuary. A carved entrance depicts entangling leaves, rocks, animals, ocean waves and demonic human shapes running from the gaping mouth which forms the entrance to the cave. The facade of the cave is a relief of various menacing creatures and demons carved right into the rock at the cave entrance. The primary figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the nickname Elephant Cave. The site is mentioned in the Javanese poem Desawarnana written in 1365. Inside the cave one finds the Shiva lingum. The monstrous Kala head that looms above the entrance seems to part the rock with her hands. Similarly decorated hermit cells are also found in Java. The large earrings indicate that the figure is that of a woman. The T-shaped interior of the rock-hewn cave contained niches which probably served as compartments for ascetics. Goa Gajah is named after Sungai Petanu (Elephant River not an elephant as elephants are not found in Bali) and dates back to the 11th Century where it originally served as a dwelling for Hindu priests. Outside the cave at the pavilion is a statue of Men Brayut, the Balinese woman who together with her husband Pan could not stop having kids. The legend of Men Brayut is also represented in local Buddhist writings, under the name of Hariti, indicating a possible Buddhist association with Goa Gajah as well as Hindu. Outside the cave, an extensive bathing place on the site was not excavated until the 1950s. These appear to have been built to ward off evil spirits. It is an UNESCO World Heritage site.